2024 has been nothing short of a roller coaster for me, both professionally and personally. It was a year of highs and lows, breakthroughs and challenges. I started the year wrapping up my business development contract with an agency, took a much-needed break with my family, and dove headfirst into an intense job search. Along the way, I found myself evolving through connecting with a community, building new passions, organizing events, making new friends, and gaining clarity about the kind of work I truly want to do.
The first few months of the year felt stagnant with little to no progress. I was throwing my resume at every opportunity, desperately trying to convince myself and others that I could do just about any job. It was a chaotic approach, but I didn’t yet have a clear sense of direction. That clarity began to emerge around the middle of the year, when I shifted my focus inward and started prioritizing personal growth.
One of the most transformative parts of 2024 was my involvement in a thriving community, helping to organize events that brought people together and created lasting memories. This community work opened doors to experiences I never thought I’d have. I helped plan and execute events designed to bring strangers together and give them a platform to connect. As someone who strongly believes in the saying, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet,” it was incredibly fulfilling to see people forming meaningful bonds through our efforts.
These events pushed me out of my comfort zone and into situations I hadn’t imagined at the start of the year—like witnessing the aurora borealis i.e. the northern lights, participating in my first-ever photoshoot session, going river tubing, doing countless cold plunges and even revisiting childhood activities like swimming, bowling, and roller coasters.
The process of organizing events became a passion of its own. From hosting our biggest meetup of the year with over 150 attendees from around the world, to arranging a meet-and-greet with the founders of a popular YouTube channel, Yes Theory, to planning a game of hide-and-seek at an IKEA store, every event taught me something new. I learned how to manage logistics, navigate the psychology of connection, negotiate sponsorships, collaborate strategically with businesses, and handle conflicts like venue cancellations and last-minute changes. These lessons were invaluable, and unlike anything I could have learned from a textbook.
One pivotal moment came when I shared my work with a content marketer I met through LinkedIn. Their story of landing a dream job inspired me, and in turn, they introduced me to the world of experiential marketing. Although I was familiar with the concept, I didn’t fully grasp its potential until that conversation. Experiential marketing is all about connecting with customers through shared, meaningful experiences, whether it’s offering free samples, hosting events, or creating moments that leave a lasting impression. It’s about building loyalty, awareness, and trust through human connection. This resonated deeply with me and gave me a newfound clarity in my job search. I realized that this is the kind of work I want to dedicate myself to where I bring people together and create unforgettable experiences.
On the personal front, 2024 was a year of transformation for my physical and mental health. I embarked on a weight-loss journey that involved weightlifting, a protein-focused diet, and consistent effort. Over four months, I lost over 17 kilograms, something I never thought I’d achieve. I felt stronger, more energetic, and more confident than ever.
Looking ahead to 2025, my goals are clearer than ever. I’m focused on securing a role in experiential marketing, social media strategy, or brand engagement—where I can bring my passion for storytelling and community-building to life. I want to continue expanding my skills in filmmaking, content creation, and coding, while also pushing myself physically to build more endurance and flexibility. But above all, I aim to grow—becoming more composed, emotionally intelligent, and ready to take on whatever comes next.
2024 started with uncertainty but ended with direction. And if there’s one thing this year has taught me, it’s that the best opportunities often come when you step outside your comfort zone.
Here’s to embracing more of that in 2025.